Woofun AI reports that SMBC Nikko Securities economist Yoshimasa Maruyama anticipates the Bank of Japan will proceed with another interest rate hike in October. This outlook follows the BOJ's branch manager meeting, where officials noted that production remains resilient and potential for further price pass-through exists, even as Middle East tensions persist. Maruyama characterized these developments as a step toward further rate increases but clarified that the BOJ's report and briefings did not indicate urgency for an immediate hike at the next meeting.